William Rosenberg CCQC #2

• Why is it that everyone who is seeking some big Answer to Life heads West?

The American desire for westward expansion could possibly originate from colonial times.  The first British colonists ventured to North America in order to escape the religious oppression that existed in England.  Once in North America, people were constantly moving west to "start new lives".  Because European settlers first  on the East Coast of North America, the west was always regarded as the "untouched and uncivilized"; this of course was untrue.  Moving west has always been the key American way to escape the restrictions of society and reinvent one's self.  Even in the 1930s, when European influences had reached all corners of the U.S.'s territory, California was seen as a liberal and unruly area.  Not only was the weather in California relaxing and unique, but the culture and atmosphere of the area was vastly different from the rest of 1930's America.  The West Coast was also not very developed  when compared to many of the other major population hubs of the U.S.  There was a lot of well preserved nature.  This seemingly pristine and untapped land was attractive to people who were hit hard by the Great Depression.  Many of the people of the Great Plains migrated West in search of jobs and a better life.  Basically, since the time the English arrived on the East Coast, the west has been revered as a place of opportunity, independence and reinvention.  When Jack visited Long Beach, he had just been struck with two extremely shocking pieces of information.  First of all, Judge Irwin, whom Jack had always respected and thought to be an honest man, was involved in a bribe situation during his time as Attorney General.  Secondly, and most shocking to Jack, Anne, who was Jack's ex-lover, had been having an affair with Willie Talos.  The news was so momentous to Jack that he decided he needed a fresh start, and left for California.

"For West is where we all plan to go some day.  It is where you go when the land gives out and the old-field pines encroach.  It is where you go when you get the letter saying : flee, all is discovered.  It is where you go when you look down at the blade in your hand and see the blood on it.  It is where you go when you are told that you are a bubble on the tide of empire.  It is where you go when you hear that thar's gold in them thar hills.  It is where you go to grow up with the country.  It is where you to spend your old age.  Or it is just where you go." Pg 376

What Jack is saying, is that California is widely regarded by the rest of the country as a land of opportunity and mystery.  The untapped resources and loose government and social structure were appealing to many people during hard times.  Jack was no exception.